Multiwalled carbon nanotubes-zinc oxide nanocomposites as low temperature toluene gas sensor

The performance of nanocomposite MWCNT-ZnO thin films was investigated as toluene gas sensor. The nanocomposites MWCNT-ZnO thin films were synthesized by reflux method with the variation of MWCNT:ZnO ratio on 1:0, 3:1, 1:1, 1:3, and 0:1. Crystallinity and morphology characterization show that the crystal structure was not influenced by the presence of MWCNT, and the presence of MWCNTs could prevent the agglomeration of ZnO nanostructure. The dynamic response curve of nanocomposites MWCNT-ZnO thin films shows two different patterns at low temperature region and high temperature region. At low temperature region, the sensor response decreases as the increasing operating temperature and increasing the concentration of ZnO. On the other hand, at high temperature region, the sensor response increases as the increasing operating temperature and increasing the concentration of ZnO. Moreover, the variation concentration of MWCNT and ZnO can decrease the operating temperature of the sensors. The sensor with the ratio of MWCNT:ZnO at 1:3 show highest sensor response that reaches 17% at 150 degrees C of operating temperature, while the pure MWCNTs and pure ZnO show no response at that temperature.